Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic · Distrito Nacional · 14 m
Description
Santo Domingo is the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic and the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the Americas. The metropolis is known for its historic Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring major landmarks from the early colonial era, including the first cathedral, university, and hospital in the Americas. Santo Domingo blends cobblestone streets and colonial architecture with Caribbean culture, diverse cuisine, merengue and bachata, and lively nightlife. Attractions such as the Los Tres Ojos cave system add another dimension to the city. As the country’s cultural and historic heart, Santo Domingo also serves as one of the main gateways to the Dominican Republic.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: January – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Colonial City of Santo Domingo (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Catedral Primada de América
- Los Tres Ojos
- Alcázar de Colón
- Fortaleza Ozama
- Calle Las Damas
- Plaza de España
- Museo de las Casas Reales
- Parque Colón
- Panteón Nacional
- Calle El Conde
- Ruins of Monasterio de San Francisco
- Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse)
- Malecón de Santo Domingo
- Zona Colonial nightlife & merengue
- Museo Memorial de la Resistencia Dominicana
- Museo del Hombre Dominicano & Plaza de la Cultura
- Museo de Arte Moderno
- Jardín Botánico Nacional Dr. Rafael M. Moscoso
- Parque Mirador Sur
- Mercado Modelo
- Dominican street food & local cuisine
- Boca Chica Beach(Day trip)
- La Caleta Underwater National Park(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- SDQ, JBQ
- Train stations:
- Freddy Beras-Goico, Pedro Mir, Juan Ulises García Saleta
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry